Resource Selection Study

We conducted a resource selection study from 2006-2011. The primary goal of this study was to develop a Blakiston’s fish owl conservation plan for Primorye , Russia . This goal was achieved by (1) developing an understanding of Blakiston’s fish owl resource selection, (2) mapping Primorye to indicate areas of high Blakiston’s fish owl probability-of-use, and (3) formulating conservation recommendations for Blakiston’s fish owls.

We will tag owls with backpack transmitters in order to collect data on movements and resource use, and use the probability-of-use map to identify Blakiston's fish owl ‘hot spots’ in Primorye and thus focus species conservation and habitat management efforts. Finally, we will use these data to guide the development of a species conservation plan, which will be used to promote the establishment of protected areas and manage use of riparian zones by the logging industry.

Secondary project goals are (1) scientific capacity building, and (2) conservation awareness. We will increase scientific capacity in Primorye by working with a cadre of Russian scientists and field assistants using advanced wildlife study techniques. We will meet our goal of conservation awareness by increasing public knowledge of Blakiston’s fish owls on local, national, and international levels. By meeting these goals we will be simultaneously publicizing the conservation problems facing Blakiston’s fish owls, and providing the necessary local skill base to address them.